Sports in Maryland


Maryland has a number of major and minor professional sports franchises. Two National Football League teams play in Maryland, the Baltimore Ravens in Baltimore and the Washington Commanders in Prince George's County. The Baltimore Orioles compete as Major League Baseball franchise in Baltimore.
Other professional sports franchises in the state include five affiliated minor league baseball teams, one independent league baseball team, the Baltimore Blast indoor soccer team, two indoor football teams, two low-level Basketball teams, and three low-level outdoor soccer teams.
The Congressional Country Club has hosted several professional golf tournaments, including the U.S. Open, PGA Championship, U.S. Senior Open, Senior PGA Championship, Kemper Open and Quicken Loans National.
Maryland has had famous athletes including baseball's Al Kaline of the Detroit Tigers, Orioles' Cal Ripken Jr. and George Herman ("Babe") Ruth, who played for the old [Baltimore Baltimore Orioles (minor league)|Orioles (minor league)|Orioles], Boston Red Sox, and especially won fame with the New York Yankees. Plus Olympic swimming medalists Michael Phelps, Katie Ledecky, Chase Kalisz, and Katie Hoff.Since 1962, the official state sport of Maryland is jousting. Lacrosse was named the official team sport in 2004, and Sports Illustrated wrote the sport "has always been the showcase for the flower of Maryland manhood." In 2008, intending to promote physical fitness for all ages, Maryland declared walking the official state exercise and became the first state with an official state exercise.

Major professional teams

Maryland has major professional sports teams in the city of Baltimore and in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, D.C. Two major league teams play in Baltimore — the NFL's Baltimore Ravens and MLB's Baltimore Orioles. Additionally, the NFL's Baltimore Colts played in Baltimore from 1953 to 1983 before moving to Indianapolis.
The Washington Commanders play in Landover, Maryland. The NHL's Washington Capitals and the NBA's Washington Wizards used to play in Maryland before moving in 1997 to a newly constructed Verizon Center arena in downtown Washington in the District of Columbia.

Other current professional and semi-pro teams

Baseball

TeamLeague1st MD
season
Ballpark
Aberdeen IronBirdsMLB Draft League2002Ripken Stadium
Chesapeake BaysoxDouble-AEastern League1993Prince George's Stadium
Delmarva ShorebirdsLow-ACarolina League1997Arthur W. Perdue Stadium
Southern Maryland Blue CrabsIndependentAtlantic League2008Regency Furniture Stadium
Frederick KeysHigh-ASouth Atlantic League1989Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium
Hagerstown Flying BoxcarsIndependentAtlantic League2024Meritus Park

Former professional and semi-pro teams

Baseball

The following table details baseball teams which were located in Maryland. For minor league teams that changed affiliations, each affiliation is listed as a separate team.
Team nameYears presentLeagueCurrent Status
Aberdeen Arsenal2000Atlantic League of Professional BaseballDefunct
Baltimore Black Sox1916–1933Eastern Colored League
American Negro League
Negro National League
East-West League
Defunct
Baltimore Canaries1872–1874National AssociationDefunct
Baltimore Elite Giants1938–1950Negro National League
Negro American League
Defunct
Baltimore Lord Baltimores1887National Colored Base Ball LeagueDefunct
Baltimore Marylands1873National AssociationDefunct
Baltimore Monumentals1884Union AssociationDefunct
Baltimore Orioles1882–1899American Association
National League
Defunct
Baltimore Orioles1901–1902American League New York Yankees
Baltimore Orioles1903–1914Eastern LeagueSyracuse Chiefs
Baltimore Orioles1916–1953International LeagueDefunct
Baltimore Terrapins1914–1915Federal LeagueDefunct
Bowie Nationals1998Maryland Fall BaseballDefunct
Cambridge Canners1922–1928
1940–1941
Eastern Shore Baseball LeagueDefunct
Cambridge Cardinals1937–1939Eastern Shore Baseball LeagueDefunct
Cambridge Dodgers1946–1949Eastern Shore Baseball LeagueDefunct
Centreville Colts1937–1939Eastern Shore Baseball LeagueDefunct
Centreville Orioles1946Eastern Shore Baseball LeagueDefunct
Centreville Red Sox1940–1941Eastern Shore Baseball LeagueDefunct
Crisfield Crabbers1922–1928
1937
Eastern Shore Baseball LeagueDefunct
Cumberland Colts1916–1918Potomac League
Blue Ridge League
Defunct
Cumberland Colts1925–1932
1941–1942
Middle Atlantic LeagueDefunct
Cumberland Rooters1906–1907Pennsylvania–Ohio–Maryland League
Western Pennsylvania League
Defunct
Delmarva Rockfish1998Maryland Fall BaseballDefunct
Easton Browns1937Eastern Shore Baseball LeagueDefunct
Easton Cubs1938Eastern Shore Baseball LeagueDefunct
Easton Farmers1924–1928Eastern Shore Baseball LeagueDefunct
Easton Yankees1939–1941
1946–1949
Eastern Shore Baseball LeagueDefunct
Federalsburg A's1937–1941
1946–1948
Eastern Shore Baseball LeagueDefunct
Federalsburg Feds1949Eastern Shore Baseball LeagueDefunct
Frederick Champs1916Blue Ridge LeagueDefunct
Frederick Hustlers1915
1917
1920–1928
Blue Ridge LeagueDefunct
Frederick Regiment1998Maryland Fall BaseballDefunct
Frederick Warriors1929–1930Blue Ridge LeagueDefunct
Frostburg Demons1916Potomac LeagueDefunct
Hagerstown Blues1915Blue Ridge LeagueDefunct
Hagerstown Braves1950–1953Interstate League
Piedmont League
Defunct
Hagerstown Champs1920–1921Blue Ridge LeagueDefunct
Hagerstown Hubs1924–1931Blue Ridge League
Middle Atlantic League
Defunct
Hagerstown Lions1896Cumberland Valley LeagueDefunct
Hagerstown Owls1941–1949Interstate LeagueDefunct
Hagerstown Packets1954–1955Piedmont LeagueDefunct
Hagerstown Suns1981–2019Carolina League
Eastern League
South Atlantic League
Defunct due to MiLB Reorganization of 2020
Hagerstown Terriers1916–1918
1922–1923
Blue Ridge LeagueDefunct
Laurel Blue Hens1922–1923Eastern Shore Baseball LeagueDefunct
Lonaconing Drybugs1916Potomac LeagueDefunct
Piedmont-Westernport Drybugs1918Blue Ridge LeagueDefunct
Pocomoke City Red Sox1937–1940Eastern Shore Baseball LeagueDefunct
Pocomoke City Salamanders1922–1923Eastern Shore Baseball LeagueDefunct
Salisbury A's1951Interstate LeagueDefunct
Salisbury Cardinals1940–1941
1946–1949
Eastern Shore Baseball LeagueDefunct
Salisbury Indians1922–1928
1937–1938
Eastern Shore Baseball LeagueDefunct
Salisbury Reds1952Interstate LeagueDefunct
Salisbury Senators1939Eastern Shore Baseball LeagueDefunct
Spire City Ghost Hounds2023Atlantic League of Professional BaseballOn hiatus

Collegiate sports

NCAA Division I

Coppin State University

The Coppin State University sports teams participate in NCAA Division I as a member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference for most sports, with baseball competing in the Northeast Conference. Its teams are called the Eagles.
SportGenderVenue
BaseballMen'sJoe Cannon Stadium
BasketballMen's & Women'sPhysical Education Complex
BowlingWomen's
Cross CountryMen's & Women's
SoftballWomen'sCoppin State University Softball Complex
TennisMen's & Women'sCoppin State Tennis Courts
Track & FieldMen's & Women's
VolleyballWomen'sPhysical Education Complex

[Johns Hopkins University]

The men's lacrosse team, founded in 1883, is the school's most prominent sports team, which has won 44 national titles. The Blue Jays play at Homewood Field. Lacrosse is the only sport in which Hopkins participates as an NCAA Division I member; both the men's and [Johns Hopkins Blue Jays Johns Hopkins Blue Jays women's lacrosse|women's lacrosse|women's] lacrosse teams compete at that level in the Big Ten Conference. All other Hopkins sports compete in NCAA Division III, in which athletic scholarships are not allowed. Hopkins is one of a small number of Division III schools authorized by the NCAA to continue awarding scholarships in their Division I sports.
SportGenderVenue
LacrosseMen's & Women'sHomewood Field

[Loyola University Maryland]

Loyola fields 17 varsity teams and 22 club teams. The varsity teams, known as the Greyhounds, participate in the NCAA's Division I. All Loyola varsity teams compete in the Patriot League in the following sports:
SportGenderVenue
BasketballMen's & Women'sReitz Arena
Cross CountryMen's & Women's
GolfMen's
LacrosseMen's & Women'sRidley Athletic Complex
RowingMen's & Women's
SoccerMen's & Women'sRidley Athletic Complex
Swimming & DivingMen's & Women'sMangione Pool at the Fitness & Aquatics Center
TennisMen's & Women'sMcClure Tennis Center at Ridley Athletic Complex
Track & FieldWomen'sLoyola/Johns Hopkins Track & Field Facility
VolleyballWomen'sReitz Arena

Morgan State University

The Morgan State University athletic teams are members of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. Their teams are called the Bears and compete in the following sports:
  • Basketball – Men's & Women's
  • Bowling – Women's
  • Cheer – Women's
  • Cross Country – Men's & Women's
  • Football – Men's
  • Softball – Women's
  • Tennis – Men's & Women's
  • Track & Field – Women's
  • Volleyball – Women's

Mount St. Mary's University

Mount St. Mary's University was one of the founding members of the Northeast Conference, but moved in 2022 to the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference. The school's sports teams are called the Mountaineers and compete in the following sports:
  • Baseball – Men's
  • Basketball – Men's & Women's
  • Cross Country – Men's & Women's
  • Lacrosse – Men's
  • Softball – Women's
  • Soccer – Men's & women's
  • Swimming – Women's
  • Tennis – Men's & Women's
  • Track & Field – Men's & Women's
  • Water Polo – Men's & Women

Towson University

The athletics teams of Towson University participate in the NCAA's Division I and are members of the Colonial Athletic Association, as well as CAA Football, the technically separate football league operated by that conference. Some sports compete in the Eastern College Athletic Conference. The school's sports teams are called the Tigers, and the mascot of the University is named Doc.
SportGenderVenue
BaseballMen'sSchuerholz Park
BasketballMen's & Women'sTowson Center
Cross CountryWomen'sOregon Ridge Park
Field HockeyWomen'sJohnny Unitas Stadium
FootballMen'sJohnny Unitas Stadium
GolfMen's & Women'sProspect Bay Country Club
GymnasticsWomen'sTowson Center
LacrosseMen's & Women'sJohnny Unitas Stadium
SoccerMen's & Women'sTowson Center
SoftballWomen'sTowson Center
SwimmingMen's & Women'sBurdick Hall
TennisWomen'sTowson Center
Track & FieldWomen's
VolleyballWomen'sTowson Center

United States Naval Academy

The United States Naval Academy participates in NCAA Division I in 30 varsity sports. It also fields teams in 12 club sports. The Academy is a non-football member of the Patriot League, a football-only member of the American Athletic Conference, and a member of the Collegiate Sprint Football League, Eastern Association of Rowing Colleges, Eastern Association of Women's Rowing Colleges, Eastern Intercollegiate Gymnastics League, and Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association. Navy is also one of approximately 300 members of the Eastern College Athletic Conference. Although the teams have no official name, they are usually referred to as "Navy", "Midshipmen", or "Mids". The Academy competes in the following sports:
;Varsity sports
  • Baseball – Men's
  • Basketball – Men's and women's
  • Crew – Men's and women's
  • Crew – Men's and women's
  • Cross Country – Men's and women's
  • Football – Men's
  • Golf – Men's
  • Gymnastics – Men's
  • Lacrosse – Men's and women's
  • Rifle – Coeducational
  • Sailing – Coeducational
  • Sailing – Coeducational
  • Soccer – Men's and women's
  • Sprint Football – Men's
  • Squash – Men's
  • Swimming & diving – Men's and women's
  • Tennis – Men's and women's
  • Track & Field – Men's and women's
  • Volleyball – Women's
  • Water Polo – Men's
  • Wrestling – Men's
;Club sports
  • Boxing – Men's
  • Cycling – Coeducational
  • Hockey – Men's
  • Karate – Coeducational
  • Marathon – Coeducational
  • Pistol – Coeducational
  • Powerlifting – Coeducational
  • Rugby – Men's and women's
  • Softball – Women's
  • Triathlon – Coeducational
  • Volleyball – Men's

University of Maryland, Baltimore County

The University of Maryland, Baltimore County sports teams participate in the NCAA's Division I, and is member of the America East Conference.
The school's sports teams are called the Retrievers, and the mascot of the University is a Chesapeake Bay Retriever which has been referred to as both True Grit and Fever.
SportGenderVenue
BaseballMen'sThe Baseball Factory Field at UMBC
BasketballMen's & Women'sChesapeake Employers Insurance Arena
Cross CountryMen's & Women'sUMBC Stadium
LacrosseMen's & Women'sUMBC Stadium
SoccerMen's & Women'sUMBC Soccer Stadium
SoftballMen's & Women'sBaseball Factory Field
SwimmingMen's & Women'sUMBC Natatorium
TennisMen's & Women'sTennis Center
Track & FieldMen's & Women'sUMBC Stadium
VolleyballWomen'sChesapeake Employers Insurance Arena

University of Maryland, College Park

The University of Maryland, College Park sports teams participate in NCAA Division I as a member of the Big Ten Conference. Prior to 2014, the school participated in Division I as a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference, of which it was a founding member. Its teams are called the Terrapins, and its mascot is a diamondback terrapin named Testudo.
SportGenderVenue
BaseballMen'sShipley Field
BasketballMen's & Women'sXfinity Center
Competitive CheerCoedXfinity Center
Cross CountryMen's & Women'sKehoe Track at Ludwig Field
Field HockeyWomen'sField Hockey & Lacrosse Complex
FootballMen'sMaryland Stadium
GolfMen's & Women'sMaryland Golf Course
LacrosseMen's & Women'sMaryland Stadium; Field Hockey & Lacrosse Complex / Ludwig Field
SoccerMen's & Women'sLudwig Field
SwimmingMen's & Women'sEppley Recreation Center Natatorium
TennisMen's & Women'sTennis Center at College Park
Track & FieldMen's & Women'sKehoe Track at Ludwig Field
VolleyballWomen'sXfinity Center
Water PoloWomen'sEppley Recreation Center Natatorium
WrestlingMen'sXfinity Center

NCAA Division II

Bowie State University

The Bowie State University athletic teams are members of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association. Their teams are called the Bulldogs and compete in the following sports:
  • Basketball – Men's & Women's
  • Bowling – Women's
  • Cross Country – Men's & Women's
  • Football – Men's
  • Softbal – Women's
  • Track & Field – Men's & Women's
  • Volleyball – Women's

[Frostburg State University]

The Frostburg State Bobcats began a transition from Division III to Division II in July 2019, joining the Mountain East Conference. The Bobcats will be eligible for Division II national championships in the 2022–23 school year. The following sports are sponsored:
  • Baseball – Men's
  • Basketball – Men's & Women's
  • Cross Country – Men's & Women's
  • Field Hockey – Women's
  • Football – Men's
  • Lacrosse – Women's
  • Soccer – Men's & Women's
  • Softball – Women's
  • Swimming – Men's & Women's
  • Tennis – Men's & Women's
  • Track & Field – Men's & Women's
  • Volleyball – Women's

NCAA Division III

Goucher College

Goucher College athletic teams are members of the Landmark Conference. Their teams are called the Gophers and compete in the following sports:
  • Basketball – Men's & Women's
  • Cross Country – Men's & Women's
  • Equestrian – Women's
  • Field Hockey – Women's
  • Lacrosse – Men's
  • Soccer – Men's & Women's
  • Swimming – Men's & Women's
  • Tennis – Men's & Women's
  • Track & Field – Men's & Women's
  • Volleyball – Women's

[Johns Hopkins University]

Except for the men's and women's lacrosse teams, Johns Hopkins athletic teams are members of the Centennial Conference and compete in the following sports:
  • Baseball – Men's
  • Basketball – Men's & Women's
  • Crew – Men's & Women's
  • Cross Country – Men's & Women's
  • Fencing – Men's & Women's
  • Field Hockey – Men's
  • Football – Men's
  • Soccer – Men's & Women's
  • Swimming – Men's & Women's
  • Tennis – Men's & Women's
  • Track & Field – Men's & Women's
  • Volleyball – Women's
  • Water Polo – Men's & Women's
  • Wrestling – Men's

Hood College

Hood College's athletic teams are members of the Middle Atlantic Conferences. Their teams are called the Blazers and compete in the following sports:
  • Basketball – Men's & Women's
  • Cross Country – Men's & Women's
  • Field Hockey – Women's
  • Golf – Men's & Women's
  • Lacrosse – Men's & Women's
  • Soccer – Men's & Women's
  • Softball – Women's
  • Swimming – Men's & Women's
  • Tennis – Men's & Women's
  • Track & Field – Men's & Women's
  • Volleyball – Women's

McDaniel College

McDaniel College athletic teams are members of the Centennial Conference. Their teams are called the Green Terror and compete in the following sports:
  • Baseball – Men's
  • Basketball – Men's & Women's
  • Cross Country – Men's & Women's
  • Field Hockey – Women's
  • Football – Men's
  • Golf – Men's and Women's
  • Lacrosse - Men's and Women's
  • Soccer – Men's & Women's
  • Softball – Women's
  • Swimming – Men's & Women's
  • Tennis – Men's & Women's
  • Track & Field – Men's & Women's
  • Volleyball – Women's
  • Wrestling – Men's

[Notre Dame of Maryland University]

Notre Dame athletic teams are members of the Colonial States Athletic Conference. Their teams are called the Gators and compete in the following sports:
  • Basketball – Women's
  • Field Hockey – Women's
  • Lacrosse – Women's
  • Soccer – Women's
  • Softball – Women's
  • Swimming – Women's
  • Tennis – Women's
  • Volleyball – Women's

[St. Mary's College of Maryland]

St. Mary's College athletic teams are members of the Coast to Coast Athletic Conference, but will move to the North Eastern Athletic Conference after the 2020–21 school year. Their teams are called the Seahawks and compete in the following sports:
  • Baseball – Men's
  • Basketball – Men's & Women's
  • Field Hockey – Women's
  • Lacrosse – Men's
  • Sailing – Men's & Women's
  • Soccer – Men's & Women's
  • Swimming – Men's & Women's
  • Tennis – Men's & Women's
  • Softball – Women's
  • Volleyball – Men's & Women's

Salisbury University

Salisbury University athletic teams are members of the Coast to Coast Athletic Conference except for the football team, which plays in the Empire 8. Their teams are called the Seagulls and compete in the following sports:
  • Baseball – Men's
  • Basketball – Men's & Women's
  • Cross Country – Men's & Women's
  • Football – Men's
  • Field Hockey – Women's
  • Lacrosse – Men's
  • Soccer – Men's & Women's
  • Softball – Women's
  • Swimming – Men's & Women's
  • Tennis – Men's & Women's
  • Track & Field – Men's & Women's
  • Volleyball – Women's

Stevenson University

Stevenson University athletic teams are members of the Eastern College Athletic Conference as well as the Middle Atlantic Conferences. Their teams are called the Mustangs and compete in the following sports:
  • Baseball – Men's
  • Basketball – Men's & Women's
  • Cheer – Men's & Women's
  • Cross Country – Men's & Women's
  • Dance – Women's
  • Golf – Men's & Women's
  • Field Hockey – Women's
  • Football – Men's
  • Ice Hockey – Men's and Women's
  • Lacrosse – Men's
  • Soccer – Men's & Women's
  • Tennis – Men's & Women's
  • Softball – Women's
  • Volleyball – Men's & Women's

Washington College

Washington College athletic teams are members of the Centennial Conference, except for the sailing team which competes in the Middle Atlantic Intercollegiate Sailing Association. Their teams are called the Shoremen/Shorewomen and compete in the following sports:
  • Baseball – Men's
  • Basketball – Men's & Women's
  • Field Hockey – Women's
  • Lacrosse – Men's & Women's
  • Rowing – Men's & Women's
  • Sailing – CoEd
  • Soccer – Men's & Women's
  • Softball – Women's
  • Swimming – Men's & Women's
  • Tennis – Men's & Women's
  • Volleyball – Women's

Collegiate Summer Baseball

Cal Ripken Collegiate Baseball League

The Cal Ripken Collegiate Baseball League is a collegiate summer baseball league located in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Of the eight teams in the league, five play home games in Maryland.
TeamCityStadium
Bethesda Big TrainBethesda, MarylandShirley Povich Field
Gaithersburg GiantsGaithersburg, MarylandCriswell Automotive Field at Kelley Park
Olney CropdustersOlney, MarylandFirst Responder Field by ServPro at OBGC Park
Silver Spring-Takoma ThunderboltsSilver Spring, MarylandMontgomery Blair Baseball Stadium at Montgomery Blair High School
Southern Maryland SenatorsWaldorf, MarylandRegency Furniture Stadium

MLB Draft League

The MLB Draft League is a collegiate summer baseball league that began play in 2021. Created by Major League Baseball and Prep Baseball Report, the league serves as a showcase for top draft-eligible prospects leading up to each summer's MLB draft. The league's initial six teams were formerly members of Minor League Baseball's New York–Penn League, Eastern League, and Carolina League before MLB's reorganization of the minors for 2021.
TeamCity1st MD
season
Stadium
Aberdeen IronBirdsAbingdon, Maryland2002Ripken Stadium

High school

Baltimore Catholic League

The Baltimore Catholic League, is a competitive basketball association composed of private Catholic high schools in the Baltimore, Maryland geographic area.

Interscholastic Athletic Association of Maryland

The Interscholastic Athletic Association of Maryland, established 1993, is a girls’ sports conference for parochial / private / independent high schools generally located in the Baltimore metropolitan area but extending to various other regions, including the state's mostly rural Eastern Shore.

Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association

The Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association established 1993, is a boys' sports conference for parochial / private / independent high schools generally located in the Baltimore metropolitan area but extending to various other regions, including the state's mostly rural Eastern Shore.

Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association

The Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association oversees public high school sporting contests in the state of Maryland.

Member High schools

Allegany County

Washington Catholic Athletic Conference

The Washington Catholic Athletic Conference or WCAC is a high school athletic league for boys, girls, and co-ed Catholic high schools located around and in Washington, D.C., United States.

Maryland Interscholastic Sailing Association League

High School sailing in the state of Maryland is regulated and run independently of all other sports in the state. Rather than any of the aforementioned conferences or leagues, sailing is instead regulated under its own body called the Maryland Interscholastic Sailing Association. This body is a part of the wider High School-age Interscholastic Sailing Association, which regulates High School Sailing in the United States. Sailing is unique amongst High School sports in Maryland in that it does not split private and public schools into different leagues, is entirely co-ed, and allows middle schoolers to participate in limited competitions. Schools which participated in the Fall 2024 Season are shown below.

Horse racing

Horse racing has a very long history in Maryland going back to colonial days. The Preakness Stakes, the middle jewel in the Triple Crown, is run at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. Presently, Maryland has three Thoroughbred tracks and two Harness Tracks.
Track nameLocationType
Laurel Park RacecourseLaurelThoroughbred
Ocean DownsBerlinHarness
Pimlico Race CourseBaltimoreThoroughbred
Rosecroft RacewayFort WashingtonHarness
Timonium RacetrackTimoniumThoroughbred